Summer often gets all the praise as being the best season, but fall has its own unique charm. The crisp air, earthy scent and colourful leaves make autumn truly special. We’re lucky to enjoy this natural beauty in the Niagara Region every year. If you’re excited to see the vibrant fall colours and do some leaf-peeping, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together the ultimate guide for you. Whether you enjoy hiking through the Niagara Glen or taking a scenic drive along the Niagara River Parkway, we’ll show you the best ways to take in the striking autumn colours in Niagara.
Hiking in Niagara Falls, St. Catharines or anywhere else in the region during the fall is quite different from a summer hike. For one, you don’t usually have to deal with scorching temperatures. However, if you’re hiking at the end of September and it’s still very hot, just remember we said “usually”! Fall hikes often feel more like a leisurely stroll, even if you encounter some elevation changes. Autumn in Niagara Falls and the surrounding areas is also very peaceful, making these hikes feel almost therapeutic in nature. As you walk under canopies of vibrant red and orange leaves, you’ll feel a real sense of calm. A useful tip: every year, Ontario Parks publishes a fall colour report. Although it only covers provincial parks, it can give you a general idea of what to expect for fall colours in the region.
Experience autumn at St. John’s Conservation Area in Fonthill, nestled in the Twelve Mile Creek valley. This area has a rich history and was originally established to protect the headwaters of Twelve Mile Creek and other local natural resources. The landscape was shaped by glaciers that once covered the region, carving out the hills and valleys you can hike through today. This fall, explore St. John’s network of trails, which includes four paths of varying lengths and difficulties, all relatively short with gentle slopes. Despite being only 76 acres, this conservation area is a fantastic spot for families to enjoy the fall season in Niagara. Learn more about St. John's Conservation Area.
Explore the beauty of Niagara Falls this September at Niagara Glen Nature Reserve! Nestled deep in the Niagara Gorge, this spot requires a descent down a set of stairs to reach its rugged hiking trails. These trails wind through some of the last remaining areas of the Carolinian Forest and feature ancient rock formations along with diverse plants and animals. From the Niagara Glen, you can admire the stunning turquoise waters of the Niagara River and the famous Niagara River Whirlpool. With eight hiking trails and one bouldering trail that weave together, Niagara Glen is a fantastic spot to experience a rich display of fall colours. Visit Niagara Parks to get all the details you need to plan your trip.
Located in Grimsby, Beamer Memorial Conservation Area offers stunning panoramic views of the Escarpment and Lake Ontario. For the best view, climb up to the lookout platform. The trails, soon to be lined with rustling fall foliage, form a loop that takes about an hour to complete, making it perfect for a leisurely stroll. It’s also one of the best spots in the region to catch a sunrise. Picture the sun rising over the vibrant orange, red and yellow trees. Wake up early, bring a thermos of coffee and enjoy the start of your day at Beamer Memorial. Learn more about the conservation area here.
One of the lesser-known spots in the region, Rockway Conservation Area is a bit of a hidden gem. Located in Lincoln, it’s part of the Niagara Escarpment and connects to the Bruce Trail, which is the longest marked footpath in Canada. This autumn, take a trek through Rockway into Fifteen Mile Creek valley and enjoy a stunning canopy of mature Basswood, Sugar Maple, Black Walnut and Sycamore trees as their leaves change from green to shades of crimson, gold and auburn. The highlight of the conservation area is Rockway Falls. Even though the flow might be lower in the fall, the waterfall’s beauty remains just as impressive. Learn more about Rockway Conservation Area here.
Let’s hear it for Niagara’s only provincial park! Located about 4 km southwest of St. Catharines along the Niagara Escarpment, Short Hills Provincial Park was established in 1985 and covers 660 hectares. The park features seven hiking trails of varying lengths and difficulties, giving you plenty of chances to enjoy the fall colours, scents and textures. While you’re there, keep an eye out for Pawpaw and sweet chestnut trees – some of the southern plants you can find in the park. Learn more about Short Hills Provincial Park here.
Looking for something to do this autumn in Niagara Falls? Spend a day at Dufferin Islands and enjoy the vibrant fall colours. Just a short walk south from the Table Rock Centre, you’ll find ten acres of beautiful greenspace. The winding paths and wooden footbridges lead to small islands, giving you a peaceful escape right in the heart of Niagara Falls. If you have young kids and want to show them the beauty of the changing seasons, Dufferin Islands is the perfect place. The trails are short, flat and spacious, making it a great place for a family outing. Learn more about planning your visit to Dufferin Islands here.
Winston Churchill once called the Niagara River Parkway “the prettiest Sunday afternoon drive in the world”. If it’s good enough for Churchill, it’s good enough for us. This scenic route follows the Niagara River from Fort Erie to Niagara-on-the-Lake. Along the way, there are several pull-offs and parking lots where you can stop to stretch your legs and take photos of the trees adorned with fall foliage. You can even walk along the Niagara River Parkway. The choice is yours.
No matter the season, Niagara always comes alive with its natural beauty. In autumn, conservation areas and parks like Niagara Glenn and Dufferin Islands showcase a vibrant tapestry of fall colours. Fast forward to winter and the area enchants visitors and residents alike with events like the Winter Festival of Lights, seasonal markets and other annual celebrations. If you’ve been thinking about buying or selling in this wonderful region but are unsure how to make your next move, McGarr Realty is here to help. More than just realtors, we’re professionals with extensive knowledge of the region. Whether you’re looking to put down new roots or build on the ones you already have, contact us today.
The Latest